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  #1  
Old 08-07-2017, 10:53 PM
theman1990 theman1990 is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Tampa
Posts: 8
Default Is it possible?

So yes, this is my first post and I promise it's not a troll post.... I'm interested in building an RV-14A.... I've built a 65 Mustang that was a magazine cover car as well as a few bikes so I am certainly mechanically inclined.... There is, however, a rub....

I have one arm... I'm a retired CPT from the Army, former AH-64A pilot (Go Guns!) who lost an arm in the 'Stan... I'm currently an ER Doc so motivation isn't a problem. I built the fastback during my intern year as a doc... I'm currently bored with no projects and looking to get back into aviation (already have commercial, RW, Inst and SEL and medical waiver for prosthetic [FAA loved that one....])

My concern is I'd like to do the QUICKBUILD but I worry about being able to rivet with one arm and a prosthetic. I have a hook with a reasonable amount of grip but no articulation. How much pressure does the buck bar require? Thoughts? Anyone in the Tampa Bay area who will let me come screw up some scrap metal?

Thanks in advance!!

The car!

http://www.mustangandfords.com/featu...tang-fastback/
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  #2  
Old 08-07-2017, 11:03 PM
RhinoDrvr RhinoDrvr is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Lemoore (Fresno), CA
Posts: 132
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I'm of no use to your question; but thank you for your service.
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  #3  
Old 08-07-2017, 11:13 PM
rockwoodrv9 rockwoodrv9 is online now
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Meridian ID, Aspen CO, Okemos MI
Posts: 2,645
Default

First, you sound like a guy that could do about whatever you want. My son was an AH64 driver too. I wish you were closer to where I live, I would love to get you building.

Riveting is a tricky thing and may take some adapting of tools and fittings for your hook, but I bet it is possible. I am struggling to get all my wiring finalized and all bundled with supports. That could be tricky. It can't be harder than being an er doctor!

I am sure you will get a bunch of offers to visit builders and pilots in your area that would love to show you what is involved in a build.

Best of luck and welcome to a great bunch of people interested in having fun building and flying. Thank you for your service and sacrifice for the rest of us.
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  #4  
Old 08-07-2017, 11:37 PM
tim2542 tim2542 is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Redding,Ca
Posts: 633
Default

I remember years ago an article in kit planes about a guy in a wheelchair who built a -6, i bee lie that would be before QB kits or even pre punch. I was sure impressed with the struggle it must have been for him.
He fitted it with hand controls and flew it after convincing the Feds he was capable.
Thank-you for your sacrifice and service.
Tim Andres
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  #5  
Old 08-07-2017, 11:48 PM
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bkervaski bkervaski is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Posts: 1,643
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Yes, absolutely. You'll need a bucking bar buddy anyway for a good bit of them and a lot are done with a pneumatic which is easily used one handed, not to mention a small percentage are pop rivets.

Definitely go for it you will love building, just have a girlfriend/wife/buddy available from time to time.
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Last edited by bkervaski : 08-07-2017 at 11:51 PM.
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  #6  
Old 08-08-2017, 03:46 AM
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Steve Melton Steve Melton is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 2,791
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yes, it would be possible. you will find a way to make it happen.
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Cincinnati, OH
RV-9A, Tip-up, Superior O-320, roller lifters, 160HP, WW 200RV, dual impulse slick mags, oil pressure = 65 psi, EGT = 1300F, flight hours = 800+ for all

Simplicity is the art in design.
My Artwork is freely given and published and cannot be patented.
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  #7  
Old 08-08-2017, 04:28 AM
wilddog wilddog is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: va.
Posts: 523
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The bucking bar does not require much pressure at all, the weight of the bar does the work. Tungsten bars work best for me and they may or may not for you. They are a lot smaller than steel bars.
There are lots of builders in your area and surely someone will let you try riveting some scrap and help build. The help build part would really show what is necessary.
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  #8  
Old 08-08-2017, 04:44 AM
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catmandu catmandu is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 917
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Nope. Not possible, because you need to go get a tail wheel endorsement and build a -14, trust me.

Nice mustang!
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Sierra Nevada
RV-6A bought flying
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  #9  
Old 08-08-2017, 05:24 AM
YellowJacket RV9 YellowJacket RV9 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Clearwater, FL KCLW
Posts: 1,281
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Will send you a PM with my number. I live in Clearwater and keep my 9A in Zephyrhills. I would be more than happy to buck rivets, especially in exchange for some car knowledge, since building a muscle car is my next goal...

Chris
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  #10  
Old 08-08-2017, 05:36 AM
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snopercod snopercod is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Asheville, NC
Posts: 2,104
Default Get a helper

Riveting is one thing, but there are many areas in building an airplane that are going to require two fully-functional hands. Many times I could have used three or four when doing wiring or making up tubing. So my suggestion is to get yourself a helper for the fine work that you can no longer do and press on.
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